So I just bought a 2005 dodge ram 1500 SLT V8 Hemi. I got it specifically to tow a RV. It came with the factory 20" rims. I've read that the 20" actually decrease the amount you can pull by 1000 pounds. Would it be advisable to trade them in for 17" rims? Not sure if anyone else out there has any experience with this issue or advice.

 

Welcome to Dodge Forum. I will move this over to the 3rd gen section, get you some answers.

 

Honestly, aside from "looks" I can't think of any situation where a 20" wheel outperforms a 17" wheel. Yes, you have a decreased towing capacity, tires cost stupid more money for them, and due to weight you'll get lower fuel economy from 20s.

In a 4x4 I especially like a smaller wheel with larger tire combination, because sidewall is EVERYTHING off-road and 20s just don't offer enough unless we are talking a SFA truck with a huge lift and like 38" or larger tires on 20" wheels...

 

how much lower fuel economy with 20's over 17's?

 

It's not the wheels that actually decrease the towing capacity. It's the overall diamter of the tire that does.

For instance, if you have a 20" wheel with a 33" diamter tire and compare it to a 17" wheel with a 35" diamter tire. The 20" wheel/tire combo will outperform the 17" combo.


The factory goes by rim size because stock 17" wheels have a 31.5" tire where as the stock 20" wheels have a 33" diameter tire.

 

I've kicked this idea around some myself as my 20's are getting bald. While cool looking, 20's are not the best off road/snow tends to pack into the wheel real bad. Plus, limited tire options.

Anyway....what size 17" tire are guys running that is about the same height as the stock 20's?

 

I ditched my 20's for 17's and chose Nitto Terra Grapplers 295/70/17. I love how it looks and how the truck drives. These are 17x9 rims... if it matters.

 

I ditched my 20's for 17's and never looked back. I hated the look of the 05 flower wheels and to top it off I got a sweet deal. Guy traded me perfect shape stock 17's with Brand new not even 100 miles on them tires for my 20's with worn tires and he gave me $400 and a brand new snap-on torque wrench on top of the deal. Then I turned around and sold the 17's with the tires and got $800.

I took the money and purchased MotoMetal 17's and put set of used BFG 35's that I got for $100 on them.

Overall I walked away with a nice Torque wrench, $200 cash, Set of moto metal wheels and 35" BFG tires all from those Fugly 20" OEM wheels. I love craigslist

 

i also ditched my 20's for 18's with 35" trail grapplers (getting them next week)

 

Thanks everyone for your input above...greatly appreciated...helps me a lot in making a decision. I especially like this comment about trading on CL...I was thinking about doing the same exact thing. Alright, I'm going to post the pics up on CL and see what kinda deal I can get out of this!